Beirut: Lithuania has announced its intention to impose stricter sanctions on Russian and Belarusian citizens, as reported by public broadcaster LRT. The new measures would include restrictions on property purchases near strategic sites and bans on entry to specific public events.
According to Anadolu Agency, the proposed sanctions aim to prevent Russian and Belarusian cultural, entertainment, and sports figures from working in Lithuania if they support Russia's actions in Ukraine, have participated in the war, or contributed to Russian propaganda. The Lithuanian Foreign Ministry outlined these plans as part of amendments to the Law on Restrictive Measures Regarding Military Aggression Against Ukraine.
Individuals and organizations from Russia and Belarus would be denied entry to partake in public activities across various sectors such as education, science, culture, sports, the arts, and entertainment if they have operated in Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories or shown direct or indirect support for the war. The restrictions also target those undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity or those involved in human rights abuses and the repression of civil society and democratic movements in Russia and Belarus.
Furthermore, the ministry has proposed that Russian and Belarusian nationals entering Lithuania for educational, cultural, or sporting events be required to sign a declaration condemning Russia's war against Ukraine while affirming support for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internationally recognized borders.
The proposed legislation specifies that Russian and Belarusian citizens not subject to these measures may still participate in such activities in Lithuania, provided they do not represent their countries and participate as neutral individuals. Additionally, the draft legislation seeks to restrict real estate purchases near strategically important facilities, barring Russian and Belarusian citizens with Lithuanian residence permits from buying property near national security sites or military training areas.
The Foreign Ministry has suggested that these amendments should take effect on January 1, 2027.